New Delhi: The Union government has directed the Manipur state administration to ensure free movement on all roads from March 8, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Saturday. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also instructed authorities to take strict action against anyone attempting to create obstructions.
Chairing a high-level review meeting on Manipur’s security situation in the national capital, Shah reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to restoring lasting peace in the state. He emphasised that the Government of India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, is providing all necessary assistance to achieve stability in Manipur.
Additionally, the Home Minister ordered the expedited completion of fencing along both sides of the designated entry points on Manipur’s international border. He stressed the need to dismantle the entire network involved in drug trafficking to make Manipur drug-free.
The meeting was attended by the Governor of Manipur, the Union Home Secretary, the Director of the Intelligence Bureau, the Deputy Chief of Army Staff, the Army Commander of the Eastern Command, and senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Army, and Manipur’s administration. High-ranking officials from the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Assam Rifles were also present.
Political reactions
The directive has drawn mixed reactions from political parties. While welcoming the move, the opposition Congress party criticized the government for acting too late.
Keisham Meghachandra, President of the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), stated that both the Centre and state governments belong to the same party and should have taken action much earlier. However, he cautioned that many bunkers occupied by armed Kuki militants remain in the hills. If the government is serious about restoring peace and normalcy, he urged, these illegal bunkers must also be dismantled.
A BJP legislator also welcomed the Centre’s decision, expressing hope that it would contribute to peace in Manipur. He further appealed to leaders in the hills to encourage their volunteers to surrender illegal arms, similar to the recent action taken by the group Arambai Tenggol.
